Your average blood sugar, in one number
Diabetes (HbA1c)
HbA1c measures the proportion of your haemoglobin that has glucose attached to it. Because red blood cells live for around three months, it gives a reliable average of your blood sugar over that period — smoothing out the daily ups and downs of a single glucose reading. It is the marker clinicians rely on to identify type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
One of the quiet advantages of this test is that it needs no fasting. You can come in at a time that suits you, give a single venous sample in our private Leigh-on-Sea clinic, and carry on with your day. Your result is analysed by an accredited UK laboratory and returned as a doctor-reviewed report.
If you are checking on a family history or setting a baseline to manage your risk, HbA1c gives you a clear, meaningful figure to work with. If your result sits above the expected range, your report will explain what that means and why it is worth discussing with your GP.
Preparation: No fasting required. You can eat and drink normally and book any time of day. Note any conditions affecting your red blood cells, as these can influence the reading.
Inside this panel
1 biomarker
- Blood sugar control1 marker
- HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin)
Worth considering if
- Feeling thirsty much of the time
- Needing to urinate more often
- Ongoing tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts
Who this test suits
- Anyone with a family history of type 2 diabetes
- People carrying extra weight or living less actively
- Those monitoring an existing diabetes diagnosis
- Anyone wanting a simple baseline of their blood sugar
- 1
Book your time
Choose a slot that suits you. Appointments only, so the clinic is yours.
- 2
A gentle draw
Demi takes your venous sample in minutes, in a calm private room.
- 3
Doctor-reviewed report
Your results arrive within 5–7 working days, explained marker by marker.
About this test
No. HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over two to three months, so it is not affected by a recent meal. You can eat normally and come in whenever suits you.
Whether your average blood sugar sits in the normal, prediabetes or diabetes range, with a doctor’s comment explaining the figure and any sensible next steps to discuss with your GP.
Most reports are returned within 5–7 working days of your sample reaching the laboratory, reviewed and explained by a doctor.
